Government : Benton County Board of Supervisors Minutes 12/2/24

December 2, 2024

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in a special session with Supervisors Primmer and Seeman present, Bierschenk absent. Supervisor Primmer called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at the Benton County Service Center. Members of the public are invited to join in during open session or watch the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa. Summarized Resolutions will be available in the Auditor's office and at: www.bentoncountyia.gov

Employee evaluations were conducted for the following Departments: Land Use/Sanitarian, Human Resources (6-month evaluation), Transportation, Maintenance, Veterans Affairs/General Assistance, Mental Health, and Engineer.

Barbara Fetzer, Land Use/Sanitarian Department Head was evaluated. The Board reviewed Fetzer's self-evaluation and asked about the work load in the office, if they were need of extra help, and how they can help as a board to Fetzer. Seeman stated he is wanting to personally stop into her office more to check in. Primmer stated that Fetzer is past the rule of 88 and can retire at any time and is hoping that before Fetzer is planning on doing that, that she will be willing to get someone in the office that she can spill her knowledge to. Fetzer stated that should would do that.

Julia Biery, Human Resources-6 month evaluation. Biery did not do the self-evaluation. Board stated they have no issues with quality of work for her work hours. They asked if there was anything the Board could do to help her out. Biery responded just continue to help support her and continue the good communication. Biery is looking to get a mentor from a possible another county to be able to ask questions to. Primmer told Biery to look into Tama County's HR.

Mark Erickson, Transportation Director requested to go into closed session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i).

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To enter into closed session at 9:27 a.m. per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i). Seeman and Primmer voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To re-enter into open session at 9:37 a.m. Seeman and Primmer voting aye. Motion carried.

Rick Wood, Maintenance Director requested to go into closed session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i).

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To enter into closed session at 9:43 per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i). Seeman and Primmer voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To re-enter into open session at 9:57 a.m. Seeman and Primmer voting aye. Motion carried.

Courtney Long, Veterans Affair Director/General Assistance Department Head was evaluated. The board reviewed Long's self-evaluation, Primmer stated that the transition from the Auditor's office to this position went very smoothly. Seeman questioned perpetual care and asked after the first of the year if the Board and her commission can come up with a policy for perpetual care in Benton County.

Mona Onken, Mental Health Director, was evaluated. The board reviewed Onken's self-evaluation and discussed the future of Mental Health. There is a lot of unknowns with the department due to the State Mental Health realignment. Onken stated she would communicate with the Board and keep them informed as she learns about the changes going forward.

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To enter into recess at 10:37 a.m. Seeman and Primmer voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To re-enter into session at 10:44 a.m. Seeman and Primmer voting aye. Motion carried.

Myron Parizek, Engineer, was evaluated. The board reviewed Parizek's self-evaluation and discussed staffing with the department.

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To Adjourn at 11:03 a.m. Seeman and Primmer voting aye. Motion carried.

_____________________________

Rick Primmer Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Gina Edler, Benton County Deputy Auditor